Automatic milk collection System
Automatic Milk Collection Systems have played a significant role in streamlining and digitalizing the Dairy ecosystem. These systems are well-designed, well-integrated and sophisticated, which digitalize several functions of milk collection and enable transparency between all the stakeholders of the Dairy Supply Chain. Typically used at village-level cooperative societies, the system tests milk quality, weighs it, and records all data in real-time to ensure transparent and fast payments to farmers.
Key components :
An AMCS combines several technologies to eliminate the need for manual record-keeping and testing. The main components typically include :
Milk Analyzer : Automatically assesses the quality of the milk by measuring parameters such as fat percentage, Solids-Not-Fat (SNF), density, protein, and lactose.
Automatic Milk Weighing System : A weighing scale connected to the system that accurately and instantly measures the quantity of milk collected from each farmer.
Data Processing Unit (DPU) : A computer or processor that receives data from the weighing scale and analyzer. It calculates the payment owed to the farmer based on the quantity and quality of the milk and generates a printed slip.
Software and Cloud Integration : Dedicated software records and manages milk collection data. Many modern systems also use cloud-based platforms for real-time monitoring and analytics by dairy unions.
Farmer Identification : Farmers are often assigned a unique ID card or number to easily identify them during the collection process.
How it works
1. Farmer identification : The farmer provides their unique ID to the operator at the collection center.
2. Milk weighing : The farmer pours their milk into the system, and the weighing scale instantly records the quantity.
3. Quality analysis : A small milk sample is automatically taken and tested by the milk analyzer for quality parameters like fat and SNF.
4. Payment calculation : The DPU uses the quantity and quality data to calculate the correct payment amount based on predefined rates.
5. Receipt and payment : A printed slip detailing the transaction is immediately given to the farmer. The payment can be made instantly or transferred directly to the farmer's bank account, creating a cashless system.
6. Data management :All transaction data is securely stored on a local DPU and is often sent to a central server or cloud for real-time monitoring by the dairy union.
Key advantages :
Transparency :The automated system reduces the potential for manual errors and tampering, building farmer confidence and trust in the process.
Accuracy: Digital weighing and analysis ensure precise measurements of both quantity and quality, resulting in fair payment for farmers.
Efficiency : The process is much faster than traditional, manual methods, allowing milk societies to collect more milk in less time.
Cashless payments : Many systems allow direct bank transfers, creating a secure, organized, and cashless payment system for milk producers.
Data management : The collection of real-time data provides valuable analytics for both dairy cooperatives and farmers, helping with informed decision-making and farm management.
